Are You Monitoring Your Mobile Devices In The Field For Security?

The Need For Mobile Device Management (MDM) For Construction Companies In Ottawa

With all the data breaches in 2018 and predictions for them to increase, Mobile Device Management (MDM) will be essential for any business with workers offsite. This is especially true for construction companies. 

Why Do We Need MDM For Our Workers In The Field?

Research data doesn’t lie. MarketsandMarkets suggests the mobile-device management market will be worth $7.86 Billion by 2023. This is an increase of 22.8% between 2018 and 2023. They say this is due to:

“The propagation of smartphones and tablets, the growing security concerns to protect corporate data, and the increasing need for MDM solutions to manage and synchronize different platforms through a single console are expected to be the major factors in driving the MDM market.”

This need for a mobile strategy for your construction workers isn’t new. And if you aren’t using MDM solutions, you should, or you’ll be left behind by your competition.

There’s A New Mobile Threat Landscape Today

The increase of corporate-owned devices and advancements in business applications and technologies are expected to increase the need for MDM solutions to protect corporate data as it’s transmitted and stored by workers on job sites. This, along with growing mobile security threats like mobile malware, is concerning to construction company executives and they’re looking for security solutions.

Using tablets and smartphones is less secure than using PCs and laptops because they lack pre-installed malware protection. Most computers include data intrusion protection, but smartphone developers still haven’t caught up in this respect.

And hackers know this. They have developed cyber threats targeted to tablets and smartphones. Some come via email, and others through SMS text message attacks. And these attacks are sophisticated with Trojans, keyloggers that record your keystrokes, malicious applications, and phishing attacks.

How Will MDM Protect Our Mobile Devices?

Mobile Device Management software provides a centralized platform to manage all your construction company’s smartphones and tablets in the field, in the office, and on the road.

If your devices are lost, stolen, or compromised, your IT provider can use it to wipe your confidential data from them remotely. This keeps bad actors from accessing the data on your mobile devices.

But today’s MDM goes farther than this. Some also come with policy and configuration-management tools to deliver IT support to mobile end users and ensure they maintain security policies.

It can also provide for:

• Hardware & Software Inventory
• OS Configuration Management
• Mobile application deployment, updates, and removals
• Mobile Application Configuration & Policy Management
• Remote viewing and troubleshooting
• Mobile Content Management
• Security Solutions such as Remote Wipe

How Do We Select An MDM Solution?

As the owner or manager of a construction company, you must select the right MDM solution –one that ensures security, and provides management for each device connected to your network.

The best choice is an MDM solution that’s implemented and executed by an Managed IT Services Provider. They will remotely manage your mobile devices, security configurations, software updates and packages, and other operations. And, you also won’t need to cover capital expenditures for hardware and software.

Why Is IT Expertise Essential For Mobile Device Management?

Technical expertise is required to manage any MDM solution. Wireless devices are more complex than ever before, and they’re now critical tools for most organizations. To secure, manage, and maintain your wireless infrastructure, IT experts are essential. For companies that lack personnel with IT expertise, a Managed Services Provider is the answer.

If the solution isn’t being managed properly, your system won’t be secure and protected. Mobile devices are easily stolen and lost, and companies that must meet stringent regulatory or privacy requirements could be put in jeopardy.

With a managed service MDM solution, you’ll always have access to the most current version of software, including security updates, and your provider will ensure that your data is protected 24/7. If you like the idea of an MDM solution but don’t have the necessary expertise or resources, then a managed service option is the best solution for your construction company. It will allow you the freedom to focus on your business needs rather than IT worries.

How Do We Choose The Right Provider?

The needs for your business can change at a rapid rate, with expansion, product evolution, and economic cycles that vary. Your construction company may add new mobile devices and certainly will be changing worksites as you take on new projects.

Your IT company should be able to provide the flexibility and scalability you need, and support for new and various types of mobile devices. Look for one that offers a range of options. For example, if you change your mind in the future, can they offer another solution?

Choose a provider who offers round-the-clock customer service through various channels such as online chat, phone, or email. And one that has a solid track record with strong technical engineering, management, and support teams. Make sure they have a sufficient understanding of MDM.

Also, look for a vendor with a strong customer base, and never be afraid to ask for references. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and look for support so you can select the correct MDM solution and IT provider for your construction company.

Monitoring your mobile devices in the field for security is essential. And I would wager that MDM will continue to be crucial to construction strategies in the years ahead.

 

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